Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is facing scrutiny over alleged links to Chinese intelligence involving a businesswoman with whom he had an intimate relationship.
The company’s board has launched an independent investigation into the matter. Nvidia says it has no reason to believe its trade secrets or US national security have been compromised.
The controversy has raised questions about the potential impact on the company and its investors. Dan Ives, an analyst at Yorkville Ives & Co, says Huang has been central to Nvidia’s success, particularly its shift towards artificial intelligence.
“Jensen’s almost been a superhero for Nvidia’s shareholders,” Ives says, adding that many investors have come to view him differently from other corporate leaders.
Nvidia shares fell around 5% in premarket trading on Monday following news of the investigation.